Concentration and distribution of hyaluronic acid in mouse uterus throughout the estrous cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify and study the immunoexpression of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the uterine horns of the mouse throughout the estrous cycle phases.


METHODS
Experimental study using an ELISA-like fluorometric assay to quantify HA and an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method using biotinylated hyaluronan-binding protein for histochemical studies.


METHODS
University-based laboratory.


METHODS
Forty regularly cycling adult female mice were divided into four groups according to the diagnosed phase of the cycle: proestrus, estrus, metaestrus, and diestrus.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Histologic samples of the uterine horns. Immunohistochemical reaction was evaluated by detection of HA and CD44 distribution within the uterine horn. Tissue HA content was determined through an ELISA-like fluorometric assay with the same hyaluronan-binding protein and with europium-labeled streptavidin.


RESULTS
The immunohistochemical HA and CD44 reactions were most intense during diestrus, mainly below the luminal epithelium. HA was strongly stained in the connective tissue near the myometrium layer during metaestrus. The biochemical data showed that the highest concentration of HA in uterine horns occurred during diestrus (4053.0 +/- 651.4 ng/g dry tissue) compared with other phases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that the expression of HA in mouse uterine horns is highest during the diestrous phase. The fluctuations of HA in the mouse uterus during the estrous phase may be related to the varying estrogen and P levels during the cycle and may be important as far as embryo implantation is concerned.
Teixeira Gomes
Regina Célia
RC
Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Verna
Carina
C
Nader
Helena Bonciani
HB
dos Santos Simões
Ricardo
R
Dreyfuss
Juliana L
JL
Martins
João Roberto Maciel
JR
Baracat
Edmund C
EC
de Jesus Simões
Manuel
M
Soares
José Maria
JM
D000818:Animals; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid